Several other top chefs, including TV’s Dave Mooney, also took part alongside The Yew Tree’s own Steve Monk, Paul Robertson and Scott Torrens, cooking tasty game dishes.

The festival showcased more than 50 exhibitors, including game dealers and other artisan food and drink producers.

Award-winning wine merchant Rodney Densem, of Nantwich, provided wine pairings for the dishes and two traditional North West cask ales from the Dunham Massey Brewery, near Altrincham, were on sale.

‘Game’s on’ ale was specially rolled out for the event along with the brewer’s Big Tree Bitter.

The Yew Tree and sister pub the Bull, Shocklach, near Malpas, offered game menus during the two-week initiative, organised by Rossett-based BASC (British Association for Shooting & Conservation).

Festival organiser and Yew Tree director Lindsay Cox said: “Imaginatively prepared game dishes have a lot to offer and our first festival weekend was a great success, attracting people from miles around.

“I would to say a big thank you to everyone that attended along with the stallholders for bravely signing up to the first festival and all the team involved in producing the event.”